KCRag Forum

Discuss items in the urban core outside of Downtown as described above. Everything in the core including the east side (18th & Vine area), Plaza, Westport, Brookside, Valentine, Waldo, 39th street, & the entire midtown area.

food trucks in KC are weird. they don't operate like other cities. there's no street life, so the only time they'll cluster without getting paid is first friday in the crossroads or first weekend in the west bottoms. almost all other times they're getting paid to be there (or some sort of revenue guarantee).

In many cities food trucks do lunch in front of large office buildings that don't have a lot of restaurants nearby. Grand near Pershing used to get food trucks for lunch years ago but haven't seen them in a long time. Martini Corner not really a good spot given it is nearly all eats that it specifically attracts, though no counter eats.

moderne wrote:From personal observation and talking to the owners and servers.

We eat at Europa occasionally, but something about the vibe always seems off in there. My sense is it ought to be dimmer, and a little less sterile--meaning it lacks ambiance. But the food is always good and the service pleasant. I hope they hold out until some of the construction north of them wraps up. Going to be plenty of customers.

moderne wrote:From personal observation and talking to the owners and servers.

We eat at Europa occasionally, but something about the vibe always seems off in there. My sense is it ought to be dimmer, and a little less sterile--meaning it lacks ambiance. But the food is always good and the service pleasant. I hope they hold out until some of the construction north of them wraps up. Going to be plenty of customers.

I wish them success, but I share your feelings about the space. I find myself driving much farther to go to the Crestwood location, which feels more intimate, comfortable and, well, European. It reminds me of Macalouso's (R.I.P.).

Cafe Europa is among tops for breakfast, haven't tried lunch/dinner. Try the breakfast sandwich and ask for salsa verde. Eggs benedict great too. Hope they make it, but there is something 'sterile' about the place.

moderne wrote:From personal observation and talking to the owners and servers.

We eat at Europa occasionally, but something about the vibe always seems off in there. My sense is it ought to be dimmer, and a little less sterile--meaning it lacks ambiance. But the food is always good and the service pleasant. I hope they hold out until some of the construction north of them wraps up. Going to be plenty of customers.

I wish them success, but I share your feelings about the space. I find myself driving much farther to go to the Crestwood location, which feels more intimate, comfortable and, well, European. It reminds me of Macalouso's (R.I.P.).

I think part of it is that they've used an office-style carpet tile if I recall correctly. I find the bar area and seating to be much more inviting than the dining room.

Full Disclosure: I do work at Cafe Europa, however I am leaving in a week so I feel I can be open. It was struggling a bit last year, however within the last three months business has been doing really well. THey also do a lot of catering and private parties which helps. I wouldn't worry about it closing anytime soon.

The building on the left is the offices of SchoolSmart KC. I'm not sure if the tenant specifically wanted it without windows, or if Butch Rigby just decided there was less of a need for windows with that use vs the restaurant and retail spaces.